South Carolina Teacher Certification

So you want to earn your South Carolina Teacher Certification? Let's take a look at the step by step instructions:

Traditional Approach for the South Carolina Teacher Certification

1. Earn your Bachelors Degree or higher from an accredited university. If you already have a bachelors degree, then be sure to request more information for your Master’s Degree right away
2. Teacher Preparations: This will include teacher prep courses, student teaching, and other types of internships. In order to receive a South Carolina Teacher Certification, you must have some experience in teaching, even if it’s unpaid. There 180 hours of field experience required
3. Complete the fingerprint application and pass the background check
4. Pass the Praxis II and the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam
5. Obtain the Verification of College Preparation: Recommendation for Teacher Certificate from your college
6. Submit the following:
   • Completed Application
   • Official transcripts, degrees, and school credits
   • Also, include copies of all test scores
   • $75 check/money order payable to South Carolina Department of Education
   • Mail to:
     South Carolina Department of Education
     Office of Educator Certification
     Landmark II Office Building
     3700 Forest Drive, Suite 500
     Columbia, South Carolina 29204
     (803) 734-8466
7. Do you want to renew your South Carolina Teacher Certification?
   • Apply for your renewal

Alternative Approach for the South Carolina Teacher Certification

Alternatively, you can earn the Program for Alternative Certification for Educators (PACE). This will allow you to start teaching before you complete the teacher education program.

1. Obviously you must still earn your Bachelors Degree from an accredited university. Ideally, you should always continue your education in efforts to earn a Master’s degree.
2. Pass the Praxis II exam
3. 2 years of full time work experience or a master's degree
4. read more of the requirements and the process here

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